Binghamton University Dean Honored with Malone Award for Internationalization

Newswise — BINGHAMTON, NY – Binghamton University Dean Krishnaswami “Hari” Srihari has been named among three 2014 recipients of the Michael P. Malone International Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to international education at public and land-grant institutions.

The distinguished professor and dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science said it takes everyone – faculty, students, staff and administrators – to create a culture of internationalization.

“This is a wonderful recognition of Binghamton’s efforts in globalization and it’s not done by one person,” said Srihari. “It’s an effort that’s been going on for a long time. We have always placed a focus on globalization and internationalization. This is something that is independent of who is in the Watson School and it will continue because Watson has a really good team. It’s not one human being.”

Srihari’s nomination was coordinated by Katharine Krebs, vice provost for international affairs, who wrote that, “Dean Srihari has crafted a set of interrelated synergistic strategies that include identifying research and teaching opportunities abroad, developing pipelines of highly qualified international students, nurturing international alumni relations, and identifying opportunities for students to intern or study abroad. His strategic thinking is based on an understanding of higher education systems in other countries, global knowledge production, technology needs abroad, and the importance of relationship-building.”

“The diversity of thought that we’re able to work with in America may not be there in other countries, but most countries are realizing that they must work in a globalized world as much as they can and wherever they can,” Srihari said. “What we’ve been able to do for hundreds of years now is to bring in immigrants and utilize people’s knowledge whatever their expertise is.”

Next up on the global level for Srihari – taking advantage of connections in France, Thailand and Brazil – that bring additional opportunities for building relationships in those countries and subsequently converting them into solid partnerships.

The award, presented to Srihari at the APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives summer meeting on July 14, is the second Malone Award for Binghamton University. Former President Lois B. DeFleur was recognized for Binghamton’s comprehensive approach to internationalization in 2007.